FEATURE ARTISTS
ADVENTURES IN CLAY WITH ELK VALLEY POTTERS
The communities of the Elk Valley are intrinsically connected to the land, from the coal that forms the foundations of our economy, to the scenic mountains that draw people from near and far. Naturally, artists in the Elk Valley are drawn to the tactile elements of clay; blending environmental inspiration with whimsical touches and creating beautiful, unique works of art.
At the Arts Station, a fully equipped community pottery studio offers a range of opportunities to get your hands dirty. Experience potters who are comfortable working independently can purchase an annual access pass or pay per dropin session. Popular workshops are held throughout the year, from fun, beginnerfriendly experiences like Wine & Wheel to multi-week intensives that help you gain confidence working solo. The Ready Paint Fire program is perfect for those who just want to paint pre-made pieces, which are then glazed and fired for you to take home. Private pottery workshops can be arranged with advance notice. Please note that the pottery process takes approximately 6-8 weeks, so completed pieces must be collected or shipped at a later date.
Work by local artists can be found at various galleries and studios throughout the Elk Valley, including at the Fernie Arts Co-op:
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Helena DeJong is a self-taught potter living in Fernie with her husband and two young children. She draws inspiration from the mountains and rivers around her home, the garden in her backyard, a childhood on the west coast, and the magic that is life through her little ones’ eyes. Helena has been making pottery casually since 2013 and is now pursuing ceramics part-time. She has a passion for making simple, timeless dishware and developing her own unique glazes. IG / dejongceramics